The rich cultural diversity and peaceful co-existence that defines Cross River State as The Nation’s Paradise was once again brought to the fore as Yoruba women and youths resident in the state staged a colourful Oodua Women Solidarity Unity Walk in Calabar.
Beyond the colour and pageantry, the walk was a profound declaration of cultural relevance and total political allegiance — an affirmation that the Yoruba community is not a visitor community, but an integral, historical component of Cross River State.
Speaking at the event which marked the first edition, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edema Erom who spoke for the Cross River government, captured the significance of the moment, noting that the Yoruba community has lived in Cross River for decades and has become woven into the socio-economic and cultural fabric of the state.
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According to her, the unity walk is symbolic because it showcases not just Yoruba culture and tradition, but the larger Cross River spirit of accommodation and unity in diversity.
“We appreciate the Yoruba women and youths for the historical significance and the relationship you have maintained, having lived here for decades. You are an integral part of us,” Erom said.
“We laud you for your various contributions towards the economic development and peace of Cross River State. This unity walk which is symbolic, showcases the culture and tradition of the people,” she added.
The Commissioner noted that the cultural showcase also provides a platform to sensitize the people on the infrastructural strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu, stressing that continuity is vital for sustainability.
“Supporting the President, the Governor and all APC candidates will lead to sustainability and development. We must prepare for five over five, all APC,” she declared.
Corroborating the cultural renaissance, the Chief Imam, Kabeer Olowolayemo, chairman C’River Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board the walk is a demonstration of total allegiance to the two leaders, adding that Governor Otu’s administration has distinguished itself as an all-inclusive government.
“This Oodua Women Solidarity Unity Walk is a demonstration of total allegiance to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu. Under the Otu administration, all tribes have been brought together irrespective of background,” Imam Olowolayemo stated.
For the organizers, the message was dual: cultural pride and political loyalty.
The President of Oodua Progressive Women in Politics, Mrs. Adejoke Oyeleye, said the essence of the walk was to proudly project Yoruba heritage while simultaneously declaring solidarity with the present administrations at the federal and state levels.
“The aim of the unity walk is to showcase our culture and show solidarity to President Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu. We are totally committed to their re-election,” Oyeleye said.
“Our choice is informed by credibility and performance. Their infrastructural, economic and social performance is visible. Supporting them will enable them to consolidate on the gains made in the first term for a better tomorrow,” she added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Support Group Matters, Pastor Joseph Bassey, praised the Oodua women and youths for expressing their culture in such a peaceful and symbolic manner, describing them as a vital support base.
The walk, which drew participants from the six Local Government Areas of the Southern Senatorial District, took off from Millennium Park, through Mary Slessor Avenue, Marian Road and Barracks Road, terminating at Eleven-Eleven Roundabout — with drums, cultural attires and chants, turning major streets of Calabar into a carnival of unity.
The event reinforces a central narrative of the Otu administration: that Cross River’s strength lies in its diversity, where every ethnic group, regardless of origin, is recognized as a stakeholder in the Cross River project.
